Jedd Fisch's Wildcats aim to bounce back after falling short against Cal 49-31 in their first conference match up of the young season. Arizona (2-2, 0-1 Pac-12) will get to host the winless Colorado Buffaloes (0-4, 0-1) this Saturday night.
This game will be a test for the Wildcats to get back on track and adjust their issues that they saw in last week’s loss. Arizona will face Colorado, who has won the last two games against UA including a 34-0 blowout last season.
OVERVIEW
Head Coach: Karl Dorrell (3rd season/8-14 at Colorado)
Preseason prediction: 12th (Pac-12)
Record: 0-4 (Last game 45-17 loss to UCLA)
Schemes
-Offensive: Pro-style
-Defensive: 4-2-5 (Multiple)
Ranks (NCAA – FBS)
Total offense: 126th (261.2 YPG)
Scoring offense: 129th (11.8 PPG)
Total defense: 122nd (467.8 YPG)
Scoring defense: 126th (43.2 PPG)
All time series: Colorado leads 16-8 all-time (Colorado is on two game winning streak)
WHAT WE KNOW
Buffaloes' strong rushing attack poses threat to struggling defensive front
Last week saw Arizona give up 354 rushing yards to Cal in its 49-31 loss last week. The Wildcats will have another test this week defensively against the Buffaloes, who average 102.8 rushing yards per game. Junior Deion Smith and true freshman Charlie Offerdahl have led the charge for the Buffs, who have each produced in a large way against stout defenses, running for 63 yards against UCLA and 125 yards at MInnesota collectively.
Arizona will need to fix its defensive depth issue in preparation for the rushing game and force the Buffs to pass more, only averaging 158.5 yards in the air.
Buff’s new offensive coordinator, and SEC transfers poised show much improved offensive line
Colorado’s offensive line has looked a lot more comfortable and secure after introducing new offensive coordinator Mike Sanford, who has so far shaped the offensive front in a more positive direction than years prior after coaching the likes of Minnesota and Notre Dame to much improved offenses.
Second year offensive coach Kyle DeVan also has experience and knows what it takes to make the jump offensively, previously coaching Michigan to one the best offensive line units in the country. This early season has seen an improvement in Colorado's line already, only allowing 5 1/2 tackles for a loss a game after allowing 6.25 last season.
Two Alabama transfers, junior Casey Roddick and graduate student have helped make this 2022 Colorado front more stout and will use this SEC experience to help them in their future Pac-12 play. Arizona will need to read their keys against a run-heavy Buffs team after a difficult time stopping the run against Cal and NDSU.
Buff’s new look defense possess wide range of front depth
Colorado has changed its defensive scheme from last year, going from a 3-4 to a 4-2-5 (multiple) look after hiring first-year defensive coordinator Gerald Chapman. Chapman noted that this year won't have a first and second defensive line group as both units have shown that they are capable of rotating in at a moments notice and producing.
This could be a threat to Arizona’s offensive as unlike the Wildcats, the Buff’s defense will be well rested from start to finish, giving them more durability and strength to play well in the later end of the games.
WHAT THEY KNOW
Dorrell has a lot of added pressure from the Buffs faithful after starting 0-4 on the season. Colorado head coach ensured that he is not worried about anything other than trying to carry out the rest of the season in the way that he preached, which is to work hard.
“I think we’re gonna stay the course,” Dorrell stated. “We’re working as hard as we can work, we’re trying to get things right and we’re doing everything we’re capable of doing right now. We’re very confident that this thing is going to turn at some point."
Red shirt junior left tackle Frank Fillip also touched on the mentality for the remaining games on their schedule despite their underwhelming performances so far.
“It's very difficult, but there is nothing you can do besides keep pushing and keep working,” Fillip noted.
The motivation of the younger players were at question due to the slow start from the Buffs. Graduate transfer Sam linebacker Josh Chandler-Semedo cleared the air and talked about how the older teammates are helping the development for the future of the program.
“Lead by example,” Chandler Semedo said. “I understand my role, if I show any signs of negativity, that bleeds feeds off everything, so I gotta stay positive and feed wisdom."
Arizona will get ready to host its third home game as Colorado travels to Tucson this Saturday at 6:30 p.m (MST) at Arizona Stadium on Pac-12 networks.
> DISCUSS the article with other Arizona fans as the Wildcats continue Building The Tradition
> WATCH the latest videos from GOAZCATS.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel
> FOLLOW us on Twitter (@goazcatscom, @MattRMoreno, @THutch1995, @RyanYoungRivals)
> FOLLOW us on Instagram (@goazcats)
> LIKE us on Facebook
> SUBSCRIBE for all the latest Arizona Wildcats team and recruiting news (subscribe now)
